Case closed: Cache of needles prompts Monday investigation

In one of the most unusual cases in recent memory, Chippewa County Sheriff Deputies started a smuggling investigation on Monday only to wind up solving a larceny that had yet to be reported.

Authorities began their investigation around 9 a.m. at 325 Court Street when a county employee alerted the Chippewa County Sheriff Office of footprints on a toilet seat in a public bathroom across from the vending machines.

Deputies followed up on this information, discovering four syringes hidden in the ceiling tiles.

“Cache” is continued on Page 12

Believing the items may have been placed at that location by a visitor looking to smuggle contraband into the Chippewa County Jail, deputies set a trap — removing the existing syringes and replacing them with dummy syringes coated with a special detection powder. They then waited for someone to attempt to retrieve them.

Deputies also processed the hidden syringes, noting small amounts of fluid and blood in each one, but were unsuccessful in their efforts to lift any usable fingerprints.

Around 2 p.m., deputies hit pay dirt when a person of interest was discovered and literally caught purple-handed.

In obtaining a subsequent confession, the woman explained that she had been sentenced to 14 hours of community service and only realized that the needles were in her possession upon arrival. Fearing that she might be searched at some point during the day, the woman convinced a second person working community service to get rid of the needles and that individual had come up with the hiding spot.

During the investigation, authorities also discovered a quantity of new needles in the woman’s possession and gained an explanation regarding their presence. While working at the Chippewa County Animal Shelter to fulfill her community services duties, the woman happened upon a box of fresh needles. When no one was looking, she tucked three bags into the waistband of her pants. She further explained she had done this because re-using the old needles was proving to be painful.

After completing her community service for the day, the woman immediately went to the bathroom to retrieve the old needles and cigarettes, discovering what she thought was black dirt on her hands. When she attempted to wash it off, the purple dye was activated — providing law enforcement with their suspect.

Jillian C. Willis, 19, of the Sault was arrested for larceny related to the theft of needles from the animal shelter and was lodged in the Chippewa County Jail.

It is unclear if any additional charges will be forthcoming related to hidden cache of needles in the public restroom pending a review of all evidence by the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office.